In recent years, the Chinese printing market has maintained a strong growth trajectory, offering significant opportunities for consumables manufacturers. International players have entered the market aggressively, while domestic companies are also gaining momentum. This article explores the current needs and future potential of the scraper market in China, aiming to spark discussions on its long-term development.
Market Structure of Scraper Suppliers
The primary users of scrapers are the gravure and coating industries. With the growing adoption of flexographic printing in China, the application scope of scrapers has expanded further. Since commercial printing has never been a major target for scraper suppliers, the decline in this sector hasn't significantly impacted their performance.
Daetwyler is one of the leading names in the scraper industry. After a decade of efforts in the Chinese market, it achieved remarkable success in 2013, with sales nearing 100 million yuan. The brand has become a market leader, known for its strong presence and product quality.
Swedcut also performed well in 2013, thanks to an innovative sales model that offers a wider range of single products. This allows gravure companies more flexibility in their choices.
RolfMeyer, a traditional German brand, has enhanced its position in the Chinese market. It targets high-end international clients and holds a monopoly in the paper industry. Its expansion into the packaging and printing sectors has further strengthened its market share.
In recent years, Swedish AKE combination scrapers and Japanese coated scrapers have gained popularity, finding a niche in the market. While international brands dominate the high-end segment, over ten domestic brands have established themselves in just five to six years, especially in the lower end of the market.
2013 marked the first year of harvest for the scraper industry in China. Domestic suppliers have moved beyond mere imitation and started focusing on building brand value. However, some domestic brands like Maanshan continue to rely on low-cost steel strips, self-made or assembled grinding equipment, and lower labor costs, making them dominant at the bottom of the market pyramid.
On the other hand, several domestic companies are striving to improve technology and are not content with just the basic market. These suppliers have earned customer trust and made breakthroughs in coating technologies previously dominated by foreign firms, building a loyal user base.
Impact of Raw Material Prices
Raw material prices and stable supply chains have always been crucial for scraper suppliers. Compared to the ink industry, the scraping industry benefits from a relatively stable steel supply. However, exchange rate fluctuations remain a key concern, especially for high-end suppliers importing steel from Europe. The Swiss franc, euro, and Swedish krona have remained strong against the yuan, keeping costs high.
Fortunately, companies like Uddeholm and Sandvik are expanding their production in China to better serve the growing packaging and printing market. This localized approach helps reduce exchange rate risks and ensures faster delivery times.
High-margin coating scrapers are still produced overseas, constrained by high tariffs, production costs, and limited steel supply cycles. These factors continue to limit the scale of operations for many domestic packaging and printing companies.
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Foshan Liqia Hardware Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.liqiamei.com